Structure and properties of titanium nitride-strengthened microlaminate metal matrix composites

Abstract

This investigation examines the structure and properties of titanium nitride strengthened microlaminate metal matrix composites. Reactive ion plated titanium nitride (TiN) was deposited onto titanium, nickel, and aluminum foils which were subsequently hot pressed to form microlaminate composites. The TiN volume percent was varied and its effect upon the structure and properties of the composites investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) have been used to characterize the film morphology, the fracture behavior of the composites, and the nature of the metal/ceramic interfaces formed during reactive ion plating and hot pressing. The mechanical properties of the microlaminate composites were determined by tensile testing specimens machined from the hot pressed composites. Correlations between the microstructures, mechanical properties, and processing parameters are presented.